Nattokinase Shows Promise for Blood Clots, But More Research Needed (Small Human Study)

Overview

Paper Summary › Explain Like I'm Five › Conflicts of Interest › Identified Limitations › Rating Explanation › Good to know › Topic Hierarchy › File Information ›

Paper Summary

Paperzilla title

This small human study (n=12) suggests that a single dose of nattokinase, an enzyme from fermented soybeans, may improve blood clot breakdown and reduce clotting. The changes observed were all within the normal range and more research with larger sample size is needed.

Explain Like I'm Five

Nattokinase, found in a Japanese food, might help break down blood clots and prevent new ones. This study in a small group of men showed some positive changes, but we need more research to know for sure.

Possible Conflicts of Interest

None identified, but research was supported by a grant from the Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI) Japan.

Identified Limitations

Small Sample Size

The study involved only 12 participants, which is a very small sample size. This limits the generalizability of the findings and increases the possibility of results being influenced by chance or individual variability. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

All Male Participants

The study only included male participants, which means that the results may not be applicable to women. Further research including female participants is needed to investigate potential sex differences in the effects of nattokinase.

Limited Duration

The study measured effects for only 8 hours after administration, which provides limited information about the long-term effects of nattokinase. Further research should examine the longer-term impacts.

Lack of Clinical Outcomes

While the study assessed some blood parameters related to clotting and fibrinolysis, it did not measure actual clinical outcomes such as the incidence of blood clots or bleeding events. Future research should investigate these outcomes in patients at risk for thrombotic events.

Rating Explanation

This was a relatively well-designed study, with a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over design. However, it is significantly limited by its very small sample size (n=12), all-male participants, limited duration, and lack of actual clinical outcomes. While it suggests promise, significantly more research is needed.

Good to know

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Topic Hierarchy

Domain: Health Sciences

Field: Medicine

Subfield: Hematology

File Information

Original Title: A single-dose of oral nattokinase potentiates thrombolysis and anti-coagulation profiles

Uploaded: September 07, 2025 at 07:29 PM

Privacy: Public